What are the top 10 global challenges in digital transformation?

The Digital Transformation phenomenon always tends to be complicated, ambiguous, challenging, and non-routine managerial tasks for organizations. The success rate of such digital transformation is very low due to rapid changes in technologies. Digital transformation through these technologies demands a fundamental change in organization processes, technology and behavior of the people. This broad change results in different socio-technical issues and challenges. The primary objective of the study is to discover issues, challenges and impact/benefits during digital transformation, investigated by various researchers. For this purpose, a systematic literature review (SLR) as prescribed by Levy and Ellis (2005) helped in identifying the challenges of digital transformation. The articles published from 2008 to 2018 were selected and analyzed. The findings of this research reflect the importance of developing an effective digital transformation strategy in organizations. The proactive strategy regarding people, process, technology, and most importantly their alignment in the organization is found critical in executing such transformation initiative in the organization. The planned efforts regarding knowledge management also played an important role in executing and sustaining such transformation initiatives in the organizations. Moreover, value creation, operational efficiency, competitive advantage, customer relationship, and new business model emerged as a vital motivational factor and outcome for digital transformation. Keywords: Digital transformation, digital transformation issues and challenges, systematic literature review, digital transformation benefits/impact.

Abstract Background: Complexity of the digital transformation (Digital Transformation) paradigm and its relation to the fourth technological revolution face companies with serious challenges when it comes to keeping up with the competition or becoming a leader in operating industries. Objectives: The goal of our research is to systematize, analyse and evaluate technological and business concepts of Digital Transformation, in order to identify and investigate Digital Transformation initiatives in Croatia. Methods/Approach: To accomplish this goal, we used a multiple-case study approach to gather data from experts who participated in successful Digital Transformation initiatives. Results: Questionnaires were developed and used to gather both, qualitative background and technology-business related data relevant for Digital Transformation initiatives’ success, discussed in the last part of the paper. The limitation of this study is a relatively small number of case studies (6), as well as its local coverage, resulting therefore with conclusions, which will serve as a base for future studies. Conclusions: There are several background, business, and technology-related concepts or factors relevant to Digital Transformation initiatives: profile and involvement of external Digital Transformation experts; the transformation drivers and expectations. In achieving most significant business concepts for business transformation, no single one right combination of technological concepts could be explicitly determined.

Digital transformation plays a significant role in modernizing and improving the efficiency of ports around the world. However, digitalization also brings a set of challenges that ports must face. They have to respond to several unique challenges because of the complexity of their operations and the varying demands of stakeholders. This study seeks to identify and summarize the challenges of digital transformation processes in ports. For this purpose, the World Ports Sustainability Program database was used. The findings revealed 74 digitalization initiatives carried out by ports, which makes it possible to recognize 7 dimensions and 32 sub-dimensions of challenges to the digital transformation process. Among the identified dimensions are port infrastructure, the interconnection between various systems, the port organization model, regulation, security and privacy, market evolution, and the establishment of partnerships to implement these projects. The results of this study are relevant to mitigate the risks of the digitalization process in ports and respond to market needs that demand greater transparency and visibility of their operations.

Today, companies feel a need to invest in digital transformation due to changing customer demands and increasing market pressure, but at the same time also experience many challenges in planning and implementing digital transformation processes. The aim of the paper is to support digital transformation in the following two areas: 1) identification of dimensions and factors on digital transformation projects to be observed in enterprises; 2) multi-aspect digital transformation ontology formalising the elements and inter-relationships of these factors. As most of the factors are of qualitative nature and difficult to measure, the multi-aspect ontology serves as means for operationalising them. To this end, an illustrative example and application steps are presented.

This paper explores the evolving landscape of global trade and customs in the context of digitalization and the opportunities and challenges it presents for investment. The rapid advancement of technology and the digital revolution have significantly transformed the way businesses engage in international trade, leading to increased efficiency, streamlined processes, and enhanced global connectivity. However, these advancements also bring forth new complexities, such as cybersecurity risks, data privacy concerns, and regulatory compliance issues. We examine the key areas where investment in digital technologies can drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness in global trade and customs. It discusses the potential benefits of implementing technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing in areas like supply chain management, customs compliance, trade finance, and risk management. The paper also explores case studies and real-world examples of successful digital transformation initiatives in the global trade and customs domain. The study emphasizes the importance of strategic investment in digital technologies as a means to unlock the full potential of global trade and customs. It provides insights and recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and investors on navigating the evolving landscape, seizing opportunities, and mitigating risks associated with digitalization in the realm of international trade and customs. Global trade, Customs, Digitalization, Investment, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Supply chain management, Risk management, Cybersecurity

Many digital transformation initiatives of traditional firms fail. This research proposes a framework that identifies the need for corporations willing to transform, to look beyond technology. This research moves beyond the firm-wide level recommendations to increase the likelihood of success of digital transformation initiatives. It focuses on two dimensions of corporate transformation: governance and culture, and analyzed across four identified stages of digital transformation, Discovery, Development, Demonstration, and Deployment. It identifies specific challenges at each of the identified stages. Therefore, it provides a useful structure for academics to further explore the challenges of digital transformation in firms and for corporate leaders to increase the likelihood of success to transform and capture the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence.

In the era of digital transformation, traditional businesses face numerous challenges in adapting to the evolving landscape of technology and market dynamics. This article explores the challenges and strategies encountered by traditional businesses as they navigate the process of digital transformation. Utilizing qualitative methods such as literature review and library research, this study investigates the key factors influencing the success or failure of digital transformation initiatives in traditional business settings.
 The literature review reveals several challenges that traditional businesses encounter during the digital transformation process, including organizational resistance to change, lack of digital skills and expertise, legacy systems, and cultural barriers. Moreover, navigating the complexities of data management, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory compliance adds further complexity to the digital transformation journey.
 In response to these challenges, traditional businesses adopt various strategies to facilitate their digital transformation efforts. These strategies include investing in digital infrastructure and technology, upskilling and reskilling employees, fostering a culture of innovation and agility, forging strategic partnerships with technology firms, and embracing customer-centric approaches.
 Furthermore, successful digital transformation requires effective leadership, clear communication, and a willingness to experiment and learn from failures. By embracing a growth mindset and leveraging the power of digital technologies, traditional businesses can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and competitive advantage in the digital age.
 In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of proactive adaptation to digital transformation for traditional businesses to remain relevant and competitive in today's rapidly changing business environment. By understanding the challenges and implementing appropriate strategies, traditional businesses can successfully navigate the digital landscape and thrive in the digital economy.

The importance of digitalization is widely recognized, but digital transformation is not commonplace, and companies often struggle to face the challenges it entails. Digitalization and digital transformation are even more challenging for manufacturing SMEs. In this paper, we aim at investigating the barriers to digital servitization faced by manufacturing SMEs. We build on a literature review on barriers and obstacles to digital servitization, and present a set of case studies that enable us to identify the main barriers these French manufacturing SMEs face in their move toward digital servitization. Our findings show that digital servitization is at a very early stage in these SMEs, and that the main barriers they face are both organizational and customer-related.

Market emphasizes the need for a strategic view of the digital transformation of business, where transformation signifies a trend that allows changes in the core business processes and contributes to the development of sustainable business models. Complexity of the business transformation process affects the emergence of certain challenges and problems that need to be overcome on the way to creating innovative business models that will enable the use of full organizational potential. Purpose of this research is to delineate the various difficulties in digital transformation and determine what are the challenges, issues, barriers, and problems that organizations face in the desire to transform business. Paper presents a review of the literature of relevant research bases, where a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the results was made. Results show the frequency of occurrence of certain difficulties in DT within four categories - challenges, issues, barriers and problems, but also the occurrence of difficulties in the inevitable transformation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It can be said that the pandemic has affected rapid adjustments, but also changes in the business models of organizations and that it has indirectly initiated digital transformation projects within organizations accompanied by various challenges, issues, barriers, and problems.

Today, companies feel a need to invest in digital transformation due to customer demand and market pressure, but at the same time also experience many challenges in planning and implementing digital transformation processes. The aim of the paper is to facilitate this process in the following areas: identification of factors on digital transformation projects to be observed, multi-aspect digital transformation ontology formalizing the elements and interrelationships of these factors with an illustrative example and application steps.